Title: Desperate Measures
Chapter 6 – It's In the Fine Print

Donna awakens the next morning, slowly opening her eyes and glancing over at Ed who was still thankfully asleep. Both of them hadn't been able to get some really solid rest the first few hours of the night before thanks to nightmares on each part; images purported by very real events that happened earlier in the day; Ed waking suddenly with an anguished gasp and her there to just ensure everything was okay and then try to settle back to sleep until it was her turn to awaken and his to loving comfort. But a few hours after midnight the notion of being in each others arms finally sunk in and they were able to sleep until the alarm was about to go off.

She studies the strong outline of his handsome face and feels a warm comfort washing over her. Dark lashes were resting on slightly flushed cheeks; lips softly parted and his expression at complete peace. He looks so peaceful almost – vulnerable, she smiles inwardly. As his body starts to stir beside hers, her fingers dare to reach out and tenderly rub a small bruise on his cheek that wasn't as evident the day before; another visible reminder that something so precious to her could be taken away just like that.

"Morning," he whispers as his blue eyes finally reveal themselves to her and a contented smile starts to play upon his lips. He looks at her rosy glow as his hand reaches out and tucks a dark blond strand behind her ear – she was simply beautiful first thing in the morning. "Sorry if I kept us up most of the night," he mentions with a slight frown.

"Nothing to worry about," her finger tries to smooth the lines on his forehead.

"How can I not worry? I don't think for one minute you're safe…the boss thinks that just because you're at the barn that you'll be okay. Ida's cunning and she's got means."

"She won't want to drag this out forever and when she does…" Donna's voice trails off as she rolls onto her back, Ed watching her with an inquisitive glance.

"When she does what?" Ed continues as he props himself up on his elbow and looks down at her.

"We'll be ready."

"You get after me for not being up front."

"I just want this to end and if she wants to call me out to a dark alley then…"

"You're kidding right? You can't honestly think that I'd let you just offer yourself…"

"Let me?" Donna retorts, looking up at him in surprise. "This coming from a man that was told to be careful and nearly ends up being the sole occupant of a watery grave, because he rushed in where angels fear to tread. Did you think that…"

"No I guess I didn't," Ed groans as he shakes his head. "Have you heard from her?"

"No."

"Donna," Ed's voice mentions in a warning tone.

"No I didn't. Besides if she did call me out, it's not like I'd go without backup."

"You'd go?"

"To finish this for good? Wouldn't you? And don't say no because we both know you would."

"But that's different," Ed tries to protest as Donna looks up at his frustrated expression.

"Why? Tell me Ed…why is it different for you and not me?" Donna goads. "She's ultimately after me; she took away my freedom and now is gunning ultimately for my life. So why can't I be the one to finish this?"

"Because I don't want to lose you okay? There I said it," he huffs as he slumps down on his back next to her, making her prop herself up on his chest and look down at him.

"Well I don't want to lose you either; there I said that. Do you know how hard it was for me to hold back my instant reaction and concern when I was forced to listen to Wordy first off say you were about to be buried alive and then to hear how it was all a trap…a deliberate trap set up to kill you? To kill you for helping me? You want to talk about guilt or worry? How should I worry less? How can I not feel guilty when she's targeting you because of me?"

Ed looks up at her and frowns, her words making sense because she was right, she was just as scared to lose him as he was of losing her and now they were going head to head with an opponent that has no regard for either of them and was puling out all the stops en route to their demise.

"Just promise me you'll be careful," Ed mentions.

Donna holds up her little finger and then urges him to do the same. "Pinky swear, now give me your finger."

"Are you serious?" Ed smirks as he holds up his right hand and she links her pinky with his.

"Yes. Now we both swear to be more careful and not die. We good?"

"Copy that," he replies with a small smile before his arms wrap around her and pull her down onto his chest, his lips devouring hers, her body responding in kind. It wasn't forced, discussed or planned – it was just the way things between them were progressing. His warm hands slowly slip between her tank top and skin, revelling in the delightful feel of her bare flesh responding to his touch. But just before things can get too carried away, the alarm and Donna's phone buzz at the same time and the mood is instantly killed.

"Damn it," Ed groans as he reaches for the alarm clock while Donna scrambles to get her phone on her side of the bed.

"What?"

"From Tom," Donna reads the text. "They arrested Gareth McCord yesterday. He's one of Ida's top generals. Not her right hand Liam as we had hoped but it's a good start. Now if they can offer him the right deal…"

"He might lead us to Ida? Think he'll live long enough to make a deal?"

"They've taken that into consideration."

"But?" Ed urges.

"But we all know how resourceful she is so I hope they don't waste time on paperwork and get what they need from him before she does. I wouldn't put it past her to have one of the guards offer him a poised pen to sign with."

"This will work out Donna…it will all be over before you know it," Ed tries to assure her, bringing her gaze back to his.

"And then?"

"And then what…we go back to normal."

"Right," she agrees with a rather strained smile. Ed studies her face and instantly thinks back to his words and then winces.

"Okay when I said…" Ed starts only to be silenced by a quick kiss.

"Time to get the day started."

"Donna…"

"You still wanna join me for my workout or just rest up those wounds?" She asks in haste, pushing herself out of the bed and then standing and looking down at him with a somewhat flushed expression.

"Well you do have me at a rather unfair advantage this morning," he confesses as he slowly pushes back the covers, mentally berating himself for making it seem like he was in a hurry for this all to end and get back to the way they were before this. Just don't make another big deal about it, his brain correctly urges as he follows her into the living room, thankful that she had chosen to remain wearing her sweat pants and tee; less skin for his hungry immagination to devour. However as soon as they start into the stretch and his eyes lock onto her body as it slowly moves and he can only shake his head and pray this passes quickly. But his excitement is soon short lived as the video really gets going and his brain reminds him that he can't move exactly the same as her.

"You okay back there…"

"Yeah…fine," Ed utters with a small huff before he slumps down on the couch and then looks at her with a flushed face. "So I can't…well move like that."

"Which is why," Donna pauses as she hands him the DVD cover, "it's made for women only."

"Doesn't it hurt?" He queries with a frown and she smiles. "I mean moving like that. Damn," he smirks.

"Nope…makes me more limber," she winks and his face warms. "Makes me more flexible…for all kinds of…positions."

"Okay already, I concede defeat," he playfully groans and both of them laugh. "I'll stick to the more manly punching bag and Stairmaster."

"Tell you what, when your thigh heals we'll go for a jog…you like to run in the morning right?"

"Sounds good to me," Ed replies before he stands up and then watches her get back to it. He can only chuckle as he playfully swats her ass that was conveniently in the air for another move before heading into the kitchen.

"I'll get you back for that Mr. Lane," Donna calls out with a smile as he quickly disappears around the corner with a chuckle.

Ed looks at the Cooking for Dummies book and starts to flip through, wondering if he should actually attempt his hand at making – something or just let it rest for now.

'You gotta start sometime right?' Wordy's voice rings in his head.

"Shoulda got barbequing for dummies," he huffs as he looks at some of the pictures and recipes below them. But as he studies them he finally settles upon one that he thinks he can make and quickly scribbles a note that he'd be making dinner and heads back to the bedroom to get his day officially started. How does she move like that, his mind happily ponders as he gazes at the bed. Unlike the morning before, he looks at the evidence that now shows two people sleeping in his bed, a rather comforting scene to behold. His eyes wander over to he bedside drawer, recalling the various personal items and books she had filled the drawers with and instantly his face warms once more.

But telling himself that the longer he heads down that path, the sooner he'll be in trouble and trying to dispel himself of an early morning sexual urge without her help wasn't what he wanted. So with a soft grumble Ed heads for the bathroom, starting up the shower and praying for a day without any interference from Ida Logan.

"Okay so what's this?" Ed enters the kitchen about half hour later to a small bowl of oatmeal, toast and coffee.

"It's instant but still good for you; try before you protest. Beats a cardboard-tasting bar any day," Donna replies as she sets out before them a small bowl of milk and brown sugar. She looks at his somewhat amused expression before calling him on it. "What?"

"No it's um…great," he replies in truth. "I could get used to this…stuff like this. Married life stuff," he looks up at her, his tone more serious; wanting desperately to make up for the verbal faux pas he handed her earlier. "Thank you."

"I do agree; its kinda nice not eating alone anymore," Donna adds as they both sit down at the table to enjoy their modest breakfast, the mood lighter and less uncertain than the morning before. Their banter revolves around Tom's text and the plan for the day and about Ed not confessing as to what he would be making them for dinner.

"You sure about this?"

"Yes I'm sure," Ed insists with a small smile. "Barring a late hot call I'm making dinner...or will attempt to."

"Okay see you tonight," Donna tells him as they enter the parking lot, about to exit the truck.

"See you tonight," Ed replies warmly, his face happily accepting the small kiss on his cheek before they both get out and head for the entrance doors. I could really get use to this…then what am I really afraid of? Losing it all.

XXXXXXXX

"So when I buzzed this morning did I… you know interrupt anything?" Tom teases Donna as she approaches with a rather contented expression.

"What do you want to hear?" Donna teasingly retorts as Tom shrugs. "Do you really want some sordid sexual details?"

"Uh yeah...I guess not," Tom utters in haste, his face instantly warming.

"Because if you wanna know…"

"Wanna know what?" Rachel joins them.

"Ed and Donna's early morning sex romps," Tom groans.

"You were gonna give him sex details, really?"

"Why, you and Fred need some pointers?" Tom retorts.

"Just because you and Ann…"

"Do I hafta be here for this?" Donna interrupts. "You guys are as bad as Team One with the teenage teasing stuff."

"Right," Tom clears his throat. "Okay so here are the cases that…" his voice trails off as he and Donna head for another meeting room to go over he agenda for the day and the cases she'll be looking at.

"Ah I see someone slept a bit better last night," Wordy greets Ed with a smile.

"Not so much…had some bad nightmares that kept us both up. Not used to sharing a bed," Ed frowns as he opens his locker. "But we managed to get thr…" Ed pauses as he looks at Wordy's expression. "What? I am married you know," Ed counters.

"Oh that's right and married people do share the same bed," Wordy mockingly replies, earning an eye roll from his best friend. "So…"

"And no you don't get any details."

"I always share."

"You do not," Ed verbally rebuts. "'Sides I doubt I'd wanna know and to be honest there was nothing to share. But we did have our first breakfast together."

"You actually had breakfast...real food?" Wordy pauses as Ed nods. "Did she have to tie you to the chair?"

"Nope, but I probably would have let her," Ed grins.

"Oh I know you would have – and liked it," Wordy chuckles as Ed nods in agreement. "And today?"

"Wordy, I learned my lesson yesterday. Okay fine, yes I'll admit it…I underestimated Ida Logan a little. She's ruthless and devious and…"

"Probably even more pissed at the successful raid that went down yesterday and took out one of her top guys and her failed attempt on your life."

"I know Tom told us this morning. I still have this bad feeling like Donna's…I mean sure she feels safe in here but…but I still worry. Ida is resourceful and can still get to her no matter what we do out there," Ed's voice trails off as he turns back to his locker. "And we got a text about a visit in the next few days so…"

"Ah yes the grand tour of the Lane residence."

"I guess," Ed shrugs as he turns back to Wordy. "I read over the stuff and it seems they just wanna make sure I'm providing for my wife and that…I guess that living conditions are suitable. At least we know the guys coming will be from the correct Judge's office. She made the apartment more…us last night and said she was getting some pictures from Spike so…so we'll see how it goes. I thought Spike would have gotten everything by now but…"

"But poor Spike has had to update his resume to include, hacker, photographer, spy, handyman, bug exterminator and…" Spike's voice trails off into a soft chuckle as he walks up to them with an envelope in hand. "Fake couple expert."

"And we really do appreciate all that," Ed nods with a smile. "How can I make it up to you?"

"Make him dinner," Wordy smirks.

"Hey I wanna live to see tomorrow," Spike retorts and Ed just shakes his head.

"Funny," Ed deadpans.

"I am assuming your better half is in?"

"Oh I like this guy," Wordy slaps Spike on the back.

"Yes she is," Ed sighs. "Why what's up?"

"Pictures as requested," Spike holds up the envelope and then pulls back before Ed can see them. "It'll be my wedding present to you guys."

"Great thanks," Ed replies as Spike takes his leave. "You know you haven't gotten us anything," Ed teases his best friend directly.

"So the divorce talk is over then?"

"Nearly started up this morning," Ed groans, his smile instantly fading.

"So stop putting your foot in your mouth."

"I know…I know," Ed huffs. "But you know waking up together…having breakfast…watching her work out…"

"Watching? You didn't try it?" Wordy snickers.

"Oh I gave it a shot, I had to right? Have you seen some of the moves they do? They're painful," Ed laments as they head out of the locker room and into the team one meeting room. "How do women move like that?"

"Shelly guilted me into trying it once and I swear I threw my back out for the rest of the day."

"I was done in ten," Ed huffs. "But she said it makes her more…"

"Limber for sex?" Wordy smirks and Ed's face flushes.

"Who's more limber for what?" Sam pipes up as Greg nears the room.

"Ed is," Wordy chuckles.

"It's nothing," Ed warns and Sam just smiles.

"I gotta get here earlier for the good sex talk," Sam mumbles and the three of them laugh.

"Morning," Greg greets them as the rest of the team assembles. "So game plan for today…"

Ed takes his seat, once again agreeing with Greg that he would take the lead in making sure everything was secure on a call before just rushing in and thus giving Ida another opportunity to strike with deadly force. But as his mind thinks back to the morning, he can't help but smile. Some of the awkwardness was still there as was to be expected and the sexual tension had not subsided for obvious reasons, but the inner angst had eased and now it was just about getting used to settling in and not blaming himself for causing a bigger mess. When he had uttered the words 'back to normal' he saw the instant downcast expression on her face and mentally kicked himself. She didn't seem in a hurry to have this all over despite the fact it was her life that was literally turned upside down, his affected mostly marginally, he was making it seem like he wanted out - which wasn't the truth at all. I hafta make her know I want this to continue past…well whenever Spike is able to reverse the damage Ida has done. I want this to last…I do.

"Okay let's keep the peace!" Greg's voice calls out, bringing Ed instantly back to reality. But it's not long after they disperse from the room when Winnie's voice is heard overhead with the all too familiar words "Team One Hot Call!"

"Think it's another trap?" Sam inquires.

"We go carefully," Greg reminds them all. "Team One, no one moves in until all angles have been checked."

"Copy that," the four of them utter in agreement.

"Spike, how are things coming?" Greg asks over the headset.

"If you need me boss, you lemme know," Spike assures him. "I have put a call into a friend in CSIS."

"Nice to have friends in high places."

"Well they might able to hac…I mean access what I can't. I'll keep you all informed."

XXXXXXXX

"Thanks Betty, this should be the last of these…" Donna quickly pulls out another form and writes a name on it and then gives it to the clerk. "Take this to Derek Lawson in Guns and Gangs and get him to sign off. This should hold these guys for at least another few months."

Donna watches the clerk leave and then looks at the other pile on her right and frowns; still so many lives depending on her to keep the baddies in jail, her mind hearing their unsatisfied comments about her failure to do the job properly. She had heard the 'Hot Call' for Team One a few hours earlier and so far hadn't had to listen to any more seemingly heroic antics by Ed that would force her to slip out and buy something to ease her inner anxiety.

She leans back in her chair and looks out the window, gazing at the somewhat sunny day and smiling; her smile widening as she thinks back to the morning and Ed not able to do the workout. A small giggle escapes her lips at his words about conceding defeat during the workout but how a playful smirk played upon his lips when she was teasing him about being more limber; sex implied. Yeah when is that gonna happen for us? Not soon enough!

Donna glances over at the envelope of pictures Spike had made for them and slowly pulls one of them out. "Ah the beauty of Photoshop," the note reads as she looks at a picture of her Ed in formal outfits that Spike had picked out for them. The original photo was taken during requalification, but with his magic, Spike was able to remove anything SRU related, put them in dress clothes and make it seem like they were at an event last summer. "Looks good," she mumbles about Ed in the black suit, her face warming. She looks at a few others, their heads conveniently place on another a stock photo couple in a more relaxed setting and a few others. They were fakes, but would have to do. Fakes…they're not real.

And with that sobering thought, her mind snaps back to reality and looks at the files to her right. She quickly gets through them, sends Betty to another department with the files in hopes of keeping a few more unsavory character's behind bars and then goes in search of Spike.

"Sorry you keep missing these hot calls," Donna mentions, pushing into his room to see him on the phone with someone else. "Oh you on with..."

"It's okay, he's on mute," Spike answers in truth. "They joined with your team."

"Thanks again for the pictures. So um…how's it coming?"

"Actually making progress."

"Really?" Donna's interest grows as she leans in closer. She listens as Spike explains what his friend is doing, the one with a higher clearance level and bit more sophisticated hacking tools.

"I couldn't get past this block," Spike points to a window with a bunch of code in it. "But my friend could."

"Gibberish to me," Donna smirks and Spike nods. "And were you able to trace it to Ida's team?"

"We just broke through the firewall that was in Judge Farnsworth's office. So this proves that it came from his office, which we knew on paper but now we have confirmed proof. Now we're working on who went into those files in the first place. We get into those we have the originals, before this happened and the amended documents, both as proof. And then we just have to trace who actually did all this and well...get them. Baby steps."

"Baby steps," she repeats as she pulls out her phone as it starts to buzz, another folded piece of paper resting on Spike's working desk. "Spike, I gotta go. Thanks so much for this and keep me posted," Donna states in a hurry before she turns and leaves, still on the phone, the piece of paper resting on Spike's desk.

XXXXXXXX

"Scorpio."

He knows the order and there is no hesitation as it means doing the job and saving a life, but each time the bullet leaves the chamber for the kill shot, Ed closes his eyes and offers a small prayer of regret; it was still another life taken as a last resort. He rests back on the cement bulkhead and then looks over at Wordy and Greg and nods, the same time his phone starts to buzz again. It had buzzed about half hour earlier and he was forced to ignore it until the tense standoff was over – one way or another.

"Boss I gotta take this," Ed states softly as he leaves his gun and walks away a few feet and pulls up the text from Donna.

'Hey. Just got a call that Immigration is sending someone to meet with the Lane's in two hours. Can you make it?'

Ed looks at the time of the message was originally sent two hours ago but the reminder had buzzed half hour ago; then he looks at his watch and groans; SIU wasn't a process he could rush or even delay that much.

"What?" Wordy asks, noting Ed's expression and bringing Greg to their side.

"Immigration," Ed groans as the two SIU officers pull up in their dark sedan. "Boss I hafta take this…its the Immigration meeting. I hafta be there."

"Eddie, SIU doesn't know. Surely the Immigration officials would have seen the standoff on the news and have known Team One..."

"And they'll allow me to be late?" Ed sighs but nods as he pulls his phone to dial Donna's number. "Let me call Donna and see if she can reschedule or delay for at least an hour."

"Am sure they'll understand but if not then we can always get Holleran to…" Greg pauses as Ed looks at his phone and then redials. "No answer?"

"Mighta been a misdial," Ed replies with a frown as he listens again to the empty rings before getting voice mail. He quickly dials Spike's number, his eyes glancing over at SIU as they converge upon them but his mind racing with thoughts something just wasn't right.

"Hey Ed…what's up? If you want an…"

"No sorry Spike I just need to know is Donna still there?"

"She was but um…hold on," Spike puts Ed on hold.

"Constable Lane?"

"Yeah he'll be with you in a second gentlemen," Greg takes Ed away a few more feet. "Just give him a moment."

"Parker?" Inspector Stainton urges.

"Yeah a minute Inspector."

"Spike is she there?" Ed asks in haste.

"No she finished her files and said she got a call about a visit and left; Winnie saw her leave. I assume she's already at home with…"

"Right immigration guys. When did…"

"Oh wait I found…oh no…" Spike's voice dies out in a soft gasp, making Ed's worried blue gaze look up and instantly lock with Greg and Wordy's.

"Spike what's happened?" Ed inquires in dread.

"Donna left a fax here about the visit. It says today's date and that two people would be scheduled but…"

"But what?" Ed snaps.

"But the fax came from Judge Farnsworth's office. He's the one that…"

"Was paid by Ida to arrange all this in the first place," Ed admits in dread as his world slows to a complete stop and looks at Wordy and Greg in fear; his mind reeling that his beloved wife could be in the clutches of their as of yet worst personal enemy. "Donna!" He utters in a dead whisper.

A/N: Can Ed leave SIU just like that? Is Donna okay? Will Ida have gotten the last laugh after all? Hope you are all still with me and please do review before you go and thanks so much!